Weather Warning

Influence of cold surge #3 in Costa Rica

December 01, 2024

11.15 a.m.

Discussion: Cold surge #3 has generated a gradual increase in atmospheric pressure in the Caribbean Basin and Central America and with it a gradual increase in the intensity of the winds in the country is experienced. Tomorrow, gusts ranging between 35-50 km/h are perceived in the north and east of the Central Valley; in the north of Guanacaste and the mountain ranges, maximums of up to 65 km/h in the north of Guanacaste. The projection of humidity due to wind drag favors cloud cover and rainy events in the Caribbean and the North Zone and occasionally extends towards the Central Valley generating accumulations between 15-50 mm in the last 6 hours.

Forecast: On Sunday, rains of varying intensity will continue in the North Zone and the Caribbean, with greater recurrence during Sunday night and early Monday morning, with amounts between 30-70 mm estimated in periods of 6-12 hours. Cloudiness will occasionally extend to the Central Valley and also to the North of Guanacaste, causing light rain and drizzle; accumulated between 5-15 mm in periods of 6-12 hours. In the South Pacific and the coasts of the Central Pacific, scattered showers are expected during the afternoon, with amounts varying between 10 and 35 mm in periods of 6 to 12 hours.

Regarding the winds, an increase in the frequency of gusts is anticipated in the North Pacific, the Central Valley and the mountain ranges. Speeds will range between 30 and 65 km/h in the lower areas, while in higher altitude areas, ranges between 70 and 90 km/h are expected, with greater accentuation starting on Monday.

The influence of cold surge #3 will extend into next week. A progressive increase in rainfall is expected in the Caribbean region and the North Zone from this Sunday to Wednesday; as well as in the intensity of the winds in the north and center of the national territory.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to mountainous areas of the Caribbean, Northern Zone and South Pacific, as the basins have saturation levels between 85% and 95%. Therefore, they are highly vulnerable to incidents.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as increased flow in rivers and streams.
• Prevention due to gusts of wind and their possible damage to roofs, electrical wiring, signs, trees; as well as in the mountainous parts of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).
• Caution in air navigation due to increased turbulence, as well as in maritime navigation due to increased rough seas, especially in the North Pacific, Gulf of Nicoya and northern Central Pacific.
• Avoid fires of all kinds, as they can get out of control. Stay informed through social media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEBSITE: www.imn.ac.cr

Rebeca Morera R./Meteorologist/DMSA-IMN